Maize God emerging from a flower

Maya

Not on view


Emerging as a corn cob from a husk, or a pistil from a flower, the Maize God depicted here is a metaphor for new growth and regeneration. Though often portrayed in an active pose, bending, swaying, or dancing, these versions of the deity represent him as still, with arms crossed. The heads of these figurines conceal whistling mechanisms: when air is blown through the long, hollow stem it produces a high-pitched sound.


Dios del maíz saliendo de una flor
México
Siglo VII al IX
Cerámica, pigmento

Brotando como mazorca desde el fondo de las hojas, o como el pistilo de una flor, el dios del maíz se presenta en estas esculturas como una metáfora de crecimiento y regeneración. Aunque suele representársele siempre activo, agachado, girando o bailando, estas versiones lo muestran quieto, con los brazos cruzados. Las cabezas de las figurillas son silbatos; al soplarlos por el largo tallo hueco, que es una boquilla, producen un sonido agudo.

Maize God emerging from a flower, Ceramic, pigment, Maya

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